At CHAPEL, we offer several position sensing solutions for your hydraulic cylinders, each tailored to your specific application needs.

Here’s an overview of our three sensor technologies 👇

⚙ Cable Sensor

Versatility and simplicity:

• Adapts to a wide range of stroke lengths
• Requires a simple rod machining
• Less suitable for fast or abrupt movements (due to mechanical inertia and cable tension)

Operating principle:
As the cable extends, it drives a rotary encoder that converts the rotation into an electrical signal.

💡 An ideal solution for standard applications with variable stroke requirements.

🧲 2. Magnetostrictive Sensor

Precision and durability:

• Custom-designed sensors adapted to the cylinder stroke
• Requires a hollow rod
• High accuracy and repeatability
• No wear — no mechanical contact
• Excellent resistance to shocks and fast movements

Operating principle:

A current pulse is sent through the waveguide.
When it reaches the movable magnet (attached to the rod), it generates a torsional wave that travels back to the sensor head.
By measuring the travel time of this wave, the system precisely determines the position of the magnet, and thus of the cylinder.

💡 Perfect for demanding applications requiring precise, durable, and maintenance-free position measurement.

🧩 3. End-of-Stroke Sensor

Simplicity and reliability:

• Provides information only at fully retracted and/or fully extended positions
• Cost-effective solution
• On/off signal
• Available in different technologies: contact, inductive, etc.

💡 A reliable and economical option for applications that only require end-position detection.

🏁 In short

Whether you’re looking for simplicity, precision, or robustness, CHAPEL supports you in selecting the best sensor solution for your hydraulic cylinders.

👉 Contact our technical team to learn more or to design a custom-made configuration for your project.

FR : ventes@chapel-hydraulique.com

DE : sales@chapel.de